Overview & Reviews

Born in Japan, Suzuki is an automaker that has made a name for itself by crafting vehicles that emphasize value and affordability. Through the years, the brand's lineup has included sedans, wagons and SUVs. However, in late 2012 the company decided to stop selling new vehicles in the United States.

The company was founded by Michio Suzuki in 1909 as Suzuki Loom Works. By the 1950s, its focus had expanded beyond just loom machines to include both motorcycles and automobiles. In 1955, it rolled out the Suzulight, a compact car that proved to be a harbinger of a new era of Japanese lightweight vehicles. The automaker expanded its lineup to include a truck in 1961. Like its sibling, the tiny Suzulight Carry pickup distinguished itself with its featherweight specification. By the end of the decade, the Suzuki lineup had grown to include the Fronte passenger car, the subcompact Fronte 800 and the Carry Van full-cab van.

In 1970, Suzuki rolled out the Jimny, a four-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicle that resembled a playful version of the Jeep CJ-5. The automaker's roster continued to grow throughout this decade, with the addition of the Alto and the subcompact LJ80.

The 1980s saw Suzuki partnering with General Motors when GM acquired a 5 percent stake in the company. GM made this move partially in response to the growing popularity of subcompacts in the U.S. market. After the purchase, Suzuki products were rebadged and sold as GM vehicles on American shores.

In 1985, the carmaker launched an American outpost, and for the first time, Suzuki-branded vehicles became available in the U.S. The company's first model was the Samurai; available as either a convertible or a hardtop, this compact SUV met with immediate success. However, the Samurai's glory days were short-lived.

In 1988, Consumer Reports published an article in which it deemed the Samurai unsafe, saying it was more likely than most to roll over during certain maneuvers. Suzuki took the magazine to court (and eventually won) but the bad publicity from the article cast a pall on the Samurai that never quite lifted. Suzuki soldiered on, though. By the end of the decade its total aggregate car production had topped 10 million units, and its line had grown to include the compact Swift and the Sidekick, a compact SUV.

During the '90s, Suzuki expanded its reach to include territories like Egypt, Vietnam and Hungary, and launched new models like the Cappuccino convertible and the lightweight Wagon R. On U.S. soil, Suzuki rolled out the Esteem, dropped the beleaguered Samurai, introduced the two-seat, T-topped X-90 and replaced the Sidekick with the Vitara and Grand Vitara.

Suzuki and General Motors purchased ailing Daewoo in 2004, and two of that manufacturer's vehicles were rebadged and given new life as Suzukis. The Suzuki Forenza and Suzuki Verona both had former lives as Daewoo cars.

Through the first decade of the 2000s, Suzuki continued to evolve and improve its models, culminating in the Kizashi, a midsize sedan that was good enough to challenge segment front runners. But with overall sales and consumer interest stuck on a downward trend, Suzuki finally announced bankruptcy and termination of its U.S. vehicle operations in late 2012. The company plans to honor existing warranties, and some Suzuki dealers will continue to provide parts and service.

User Reviews:

• 

  Great Compact SUV with a third seat - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Ahme - August 2 - 3:26 am

  This is a great SUV if you need room for 5. It has a very competitive price for a small budget. It is a strong compact SUV on a truck base. It has many built in features at no additional cost (anti-lock brakes, CD player with in steering wheel remote, climate control A/C).

• 

  Downsize and upgrade! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By mtaylor - July 30 - 6:13 pm

  Traded an 09 Mazda6 for the Kizashi, and I cant find one area where the Kizashi isnt superior! The entire car feels like its carved out of a solid piece of rock! Ergonomics are terrific. Interior design and materials are topnotch. Gives the impression of being a much more expensive car. Beautiful gauges, especially at night. Engine is silent at cruise and idle and has plenty of power. The CVT took some getting used to, but seems to work well especially at highway speeds. Been averaging 27 mpg mixed and about 32 mpg highway. For me, this car is the perfect size. Most other midsized cars, like my Mazda6, have grown too large. Most fun Ive ever had driving, and Ive turned a few heads too!

• 

  Great Car for the money. - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Drumscansing - July 30 - 3:23 am

  I have owned this vehicle for two years and have not had any problems with it. I get between 21 and 25 miles per gallon. The engine is plenty powerfull for this car. If you want a small SUV this is a good choice. If you want a sportscar or an SUV that rides like a Caddy...this is not the car for you. I think the person that rated this car a 1.1 must have had a bad experience and should have bought a more expensive, larger car. This is a great car for the money! I have never had a car that "Held" its value! I have had to sell each one of them at a loss or traded-it in on a new car.

• 

  2011 Equator Suzuki RMZ OFFROAD - 2011 Suzuki Equator
  By themouas - July 29 - 12:16 am

  I purchased this vehicle for multipurpose usage, I love it, except the ABLS function. I wish its more aggressive, it would improve its off roading capability and I wish it was a few inches taller.

• 

  Love, Love, Love My Grand Vitara Sport! - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By jkl - July 28 - 10:00 am

  My husband surprised me with a Grand Vitari Sport. "Suzuki?" I thought but it was a great looking design, & the interior was sharp. I didnt expect the included extras like the bluetooth, garmin nav, foglights. The thing I find amazing is that my husband is over 6& I am just barely 5 & we both are comfortable with enough leg & head room for him & then adjusts to a great fit for me. Thats a first for us.

• 

  Luv the Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Nick - July 27 - 7:53 pm

  I was NOT in the market for an SUV. I wanted a compact car like the Scion, but then my eyes fell on this red beauty with the premium package and I fell in love. Shes easy to manuver, turns on a dime and the brakes are wonderful. I notice no noise and shes as smooth and sweet as cream to drive. She can haul so much stuff - I moved into a new home and have been buying used furniture and have been all over town. I managed to fit a dining table and four chairs in the back. Its so convenient to know that I can buy huge items and it will fit. The stereo is wonderful, the leather feels so fine and I love the moonroof that doesnt mess my hair. I use to hate to drive, now I love it.

• 

  my xl-7 - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By my xl-7 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have less than 13,000 miles on this suv, but have had the abs changed on front wheels, and rear wheel bearings changed. And now the remote is not working! Too many problems for a new automobile. I fear that other problems will arise.

• 

  Great Value - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By blum1 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I was all set to purchase a Honda Pilot when a friend recommened I take a look at the 2004 Suzuki XL-7 EXIII. I took one out for a test drive could not believe the ride, handling, and good gas mileage. The dealership was very friendly and offered that I take it home for the night to see if I enjoyed the SUV. All around was one of the best experiences I ever had purchasing a new car. And the plus was I got to save over $6,000.

• 

  Killa Deal - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Kyle B - July 20 - 11:20 am

  I had a Grand Vitara and wanted to look for another that was automatic. When I saw the SX it immediatley started to grow on me. I paid 15,500 loaded including ABS and climate control. For the money you cant beat it. It is fun to drive, easy to operate, and the car does turn heads. A warranty that takes the pain out of ownership is also a big plus. I love the way that it handles and it is very peppy while still maintaining good mileage. If you are looking to have a great little road rocket without emptying your pocket this is a great choice.

• 

  Love it! - 1999 Suzuki Vitara
  By spotgofast - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 82,000 on it. So far Ive had it a week, and am in love with it. I havent tried to take the top off yet, looks a little complicated, but only time will tell. I like how it handles and the fuel efficiency. I was suprised at how roomy this little car is. My biggest friend fits (65") and people have more room in the back than in a jeep, not to mention it handles better. Im very happy with my purchse and would recomend this mini suv to anyone. I have a samurai and really had fun with it...but needed something that could go freeway speeds. Its a little mountain goat in 4wd!